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Hyundai-Kia continues AHSS rollout

Hyundai-Kia, the world’s fourth-largest carmaker, is continuing to publicize its use of advanced high strength steels (AHSS) in their new vehicles. Across the group, four new models have just been released, and all feature high percentages of AHSS in the body-in-white (BIW).

In the case of the Hyundai i30 hatchback, 53.5 percent of the BIW is comprised of AHSS. Both the Hyundai Kona SUV and the Kia Rio four-door sedan also exceed 50 percent.

Hyundai Kona - Click on the image to enlarge it

Hyundai-Kia’s use of AHSS is increasing in line with wider industry trends. On the Kia Rio website the company notes that: “The all-new Rio uses more than 50% AHSS which is [a] more than 54% increase from the previous model. This equates to phenomenal body rigidity, enhancing cabin protection as well as dynamic performance.”

Kia Rio - Click on the image to enlarge it

Kia promotes the safety benefits of AHSS on the Picanto website where “AHSS and hot-stamped steel” are listed as key safety features. While the Hyundai Kona website notes: “The lightweight body frame has been developed with 51.8% high strength steel to deliver class-leading levels of passive safety.”

Kia Picanto - Click on the image the enlarge it

But it is the Hyundai i30 hatchback which makes the most of AHSS with: “53.5% application of AHSS plates [to] boost driving and collision safety.”

Hyundai i30 hatchback - Click on the image to enlarge it

Model

Segment

AHSS as % of BIW

Hyundai i30

Hatchback

53.5%

Hyundai Kona

SUV

51.8%

Kia Rio

4-door sedan

50.5%

Kia Picanto

5-door hatchback

44.0%

The Hyundai-Kia group is one of the most successful OEMs in the world. The company became the world’s fourth largest carmaker in 2013, a position it continues to hold. In 2015 (the latest year for which figures are available), Hyundai-Kia produced almost eight million vehicles, just two-million vehicles below the world’s largest manufacturer. For several years, ArcelorMittal and Hyundai-Kia have partnered on the adoption of advanced lightweight steel solutions. Many of them have already been implemented in Hyundai-Kia’s worldwide portfolio of models.